Data reveals which UK regions have the highest presence of asbestos

LANCASHIRE, UK. 3rd May, 2024 - New figures from specialist firm Asbestos Sampling have revealed which UK regions contain the most asbestos. The data is drawn from 5,338 samples that the firm analysed during 2023, collected by consumers using Asbestos Sampling’s testing kits. The figures reveal that samples taken from homes in the East of England were more likely to contain asbestos than those from anywhere else in the UK.  

In total, 38% of samples from the East of England tested positive for the presence of asbestos, compared to a UK average of 30%. The next highest rates of samples testing positive for asbestos were from the South East (36%), South West (36%) and Wales (34%). 

At the other end of the spectrum, samples taken from homes in Northern Ireland proved least likely to contain asbestos, with a positive testing rate of just 13%. Samples from homes in the East Midlands, meanwhile, tested positive in 21% of cases. 

The 5,338 samples analysed by Asbestos Sampling were taken from a range of sources, including  Artex, cement pipes, cement roofing and floor tiles. Samples from cement roofing were found to be the most likely to contain asbestos, with 64% testing positive. Asbestos was also present in 57% of samples taken from cement pipes and in 43% of floor tile samples. Just 2% of samples taken from insulation, on the other hand, were found to have asbestos present – the lowest of any material tested during 2023. 

Asbestos Sampling Co-founder Stephen Roche comments: 

“Our analysis of materials tested for asbestos during 2023 shows significant regional variations, with the East of England emerging as the region most likely to have asbestos present. That said, asbestos remains a concern for the health of individuals up and down the UK, serving as a stark reminder of the need to be vigilant for its presence. We would encourage anyone due to undertake work on a property which could contain asbestos to get an asbestos survey carried out before that work commences.” 

Co-founder Tom Yates follows up: 

“We are unsure of the reason behind the regional variations. The data being presented in our findings is restricted to samples submitted to us and may not be an accurate representation of the whole industry. As such, assumptions should never be made with materials which could contain asbestos, regardless of which region they are found – Always have suspect materials tested before working on them” 

 

For further details, view the report https://www.asbestos-sampling.com/blogs/articles/asbestos-testing-insights-2023